12 January 2013 – Aiming to sensitize local citizens about the importance of keeping their environs clean, Jonglei state government officials and UNMISS peacekeepers launched a cleaning programme in the state capital Bor today.

The programme, which was initiated by the state Ministry of Interior, attracted South Sudanese volunteers from the civil service, armed forces and the general public. They collected litter and other types of rubbish around the town while hundreds of UN peacekeepers from the Indian Battalion, the Nepal Force Reserve Company and civilian UNMISS staff helped with the clean-up exercise at Bor Airport.

Presiding over the exercise, the Acting State Governor and Minister of Local Government Ding Akol Ding said that the cleaning programme will occur more frequently in the future.

"I am very happy that UNMISS is supporting us in many aspects," said Mr. Ding.

The Mission in the past has provided protection to civilians during Jonglei state's recent inter-communal violence and also assisted in reuniting families who were separated as a result of such fighting.